Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography

Definition

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is used to treat and diagnose problems in the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas. ERCP uses endoscopy and x-rays. An endoscopy is the use of a special scope with a camera to view your throat, stomach, and upper intestine.

Reasons for Procedure

Possible Complications

Problems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review potential problems, like:

Damage to the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, or bile duct

Pancreatitis

Infection

Bleeding

Some factors that may increase the risk of complications include:

History of problems with ERCP

Bleeding disorders

Abnormal anatomy

Pregnancy

Poor overall health

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

Do not eat for 8-12 hours before the procedure.

If you have diabetes, discuss your medications with your doctor.

Arrange for transportation after the procedure. You should not drive for 24 hours after the procedure.

Inform your doctor if you have had previous allergic reactions to contrast material.

Talk to your doctor about your medications. You may be asked to stop taking some medications up to one week before the procedure.

Anesthesia

Your throat may be sprayed with a medication to make it numb.

You will be given IV medications to help you relax.

If your doctor thinks your ERCP will take a long time, you may have
general anesthesia. You will be asleep.

Description of the Procedure

You will lie on your stomach with your head turned to the right. A mouthpiece will be placed in your mouth to help keep it open. Your breathing and heart rate will be monitored. An endoscope will be put into your mouth. The scope will be slowly passed through your throat into your esophagus, stomach, and/or small intestine/duodenum. Air will be passed through the scope to open the small intestine/duodenum to see better.

The images will be viewed on a video monitor. The scope will be passed into the place where the ducts from the liver and pancreas open into the small intestine.

A tiny tube from the endoscope will then be passed into the opening of the bile and pancreatic ducts. A contrast material will be injected through this tube. The contrast will make the ducts visible on the x-ray. If a gallstone shows up on the images, it may be removed through the scope. Scarring or narrowing within the ducts can also be treated with instruments passed through the scope. Stents may be placed to keep the duct open. Tissue samples may also be taken through the scope for biopsy. The sample will be sent to a lab for further testing.

How Long Will It Take?

It will take 30 minutes-2 hours.

Will It Hurt?

During the procedure, you may feel discomfort in your throat. After the procedure, your throat may be sore for a few days. In addition, you may feel bloated and need to belch.

Average Hospital Stay

If the ERCP is diagnostic, you may go home the same day. If you have other procedures done through the scope, you may need to stay in the hospital overnight.

Postoperative Care

At the Care Center

You will be observed in a recovery area for at least one hour before you are sent home.

At Home

Rest for the remainder of the day. You can resume your normal diet unless otherwise told by your doctor. Do not drink alcohol or drive for at least 24 hours after the procedure. If you were asked to stop taking certain medications, ask your doctor when to resume taking them.

Call Your Doctor If Any of the Following Occur

Contact your doctor if your recovery is not progressing as expected or you develop complications, such as:

Signs of infection, including fever and chills

Nausea and/or vomiting or vomiting blood

Severe abdominal pain

Black, tar-like stools or bloody stools

If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.